Grant amnesty to Benin Republic, Togo graduates

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s workforce, President Bola Tinubu has approved the dismissal of workers holding degree certificates from institutions in Benin and Togo. 

While the intent behind this decision is commendable, it’s a classic case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The fallout from this sweeping reform could be far more devastating than the problem it aims to solve.

Let’s be clear: the issue of fake degrees is a serious one that undermines the integrity of our education system and devalues the hard work of genuine graduates.

The investigative report by an online medium which exposed how easily degrees could be obtained from certain institutions in our neighboring countries, was eye-opening and alarming. No one can argue against the need for action.

But here’s where things get murky. The blanket dismissal of all workers with degrees from Benin and Togo is akin to burning down the entire forest to catch a few rabbits. It’s an overreaction that fails to consider the nuances of the situation and the potential human cost.

Consider this: between 2019 and 2023, over 22,000 students obtained certificates from these countries. Are we to believe that every single one of these degrees is fraudulent? That’s a stretch, to say the least. While some institutions may indeed be degree mills, tarring all graduates with the same brush is unfair and potentially disastrous.

Picture this scenario: A young Nigerian, unable to secure admission into our overcrowded universities, opts to study in Benin. They spend four years of their life, investing time, money, and effort into obtaining a degree. They return home, secure a job, and begin building a life.

Now, years later, they’re told their degree is worthless, and they’re out of a job. Can you imagine the psychological impact? The financial ruin? The potential for social unrest?

This is not just about individual hardship; it’s about the ripple effects on our society.

We’re talking about thousands of suddenly unemployed individuals, families losing their breadwinners, and a surge in desperation that could fuel crime and social instability. Is this the outcome we want from a well-intentioned policy?

Moreover, the logistics of implementing this directive are mind-boggling. How will employers, especially in the private sector, verify the authenticity of every degree? What about those who have built successful careers and proven their competence over years of service? Are we to discard their contributions based solely on the origin of their degree?

The minister of education, Tahir Mamman, stated: “We cannot have in our midst people who procure fake certificates and compete with our students who graduated through their sweat.” While this sentiment is understandable, it oversimplifies a complex issue.

Not every graduate from these countries procured a fake certificate, and many may have indeed sweated for their degrees.

Instead of this draconian approach, why not consider a more nuanced solution? Here’s a radical thought: grant amnesty to those who have already graduated and are currently employed. Focus on rigorous verification processes for new entrants into the workforce.

Collaborate with authorities in Benin and Togo to identify and blacklist fraudulent institutions while recognizing legitimate ones.

For those already in the system, implement a comprehensive skills assessment. If an employee has been performing their job competently for years, does it really matter where their initial degree came from? Judge them on their merit, not on the origin of a piece of paper.

The government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of our educational system is laudable. But in our zeal for reform, we must not lose sight of our humanity. The potential for creating a new crisis – one of unemployment, despair, and social unrest – is real and alarming.

President Tinubu and his administration have an opportunity here to demonstrate both firmness and compassion. By granting amnesty to existing graduates while tightening regulations for the future, we can address the issue of fake degrees without causing unnecessary hardship.

Let’s not forget that governance is not just about making tough decisions; it’s about making wise ones. It’s about finding solutions that solve problems without creating new ones. As it stands, this policy risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

In a nation already grappling with high unemployment and economic challenges, can we afford to potentially render thousands jobless overnight? The answer, I believe, is a resounding no. It’s time for a rethink, a more measured approach that balances the need for educational integrity with compassion for those who may be unfairly caught in the crossfire.

The road to hell, they say, is paved with good intentions. Let’s ensure that in our quest to clean up our educational system, we don’t inadvertently create a highway to social and economic chaos.

Grant amnesty, focus on future prevention, and let’s build a system that is both rigorous and fair. That, Mr. President, would be a true demonstration of visionary leadership.